Posted03.10.23
Q&A with Dawn – Team manager at Stockwell
In recent months, we’ve been hard at work revamping and expanding the services at our Stockwell site. With a new customer base and a dedicated staff team in place, we’re now fully operational. We sat down and held a Q&A session with Dawn, the newly appointed Service Manager at Stockwell, to get an inside look at the work she and her team have been undertaking. We were keen to hear about their experiences, the challenges they’ve faced and the exciting plans they have in store.
Q: Can you give us an overview of the services provided at Stockwell and the types of customers you support?
A: Customers are typically referred to us through the local authority housing pathway, so eligibility is determined through that process. We provide supported accommodation to a diverse group of individuals, including expectant mothers, young parents, and unaccompanied asylum seekers, aged 16-25. Our approach is unique because we offer a psychologically informed support system tailored to each customer’s individual needs and living environment.
Q: What are the specific goals or outcomes you hope to achieve with this service?
A: Our primary goal is to help our customers reach their aspirations and chosen career paths, so we work closely with local agencies and internal resources to create customised work and learning pathways for them. We also emphasise the importance of our customers having a voice in society and their local communities. This is why we have initiatives like “Your Voice Matters” customer forums and actively encourage voter registration.
Q: What services and resources are offered at Stockwell that set it apart from other services?
A: We take pride in providing a variety of programmes and resources to support our customers. These programmes include independent living skill development, cooking programmes, money management, and work and learning initiatives tailored to individual needs. We also offer in-house counselling, yoga, and Pilates sessions to promote health and well-being. In addition to organising family days for bonding and community building.
Q: How do you assess the needs of the individuals who come to you, and how is this information used to tailor their support?
A: Our support workers initiate conversations with customers to understand their specific needs and goals. This enables us to create a personalised plan that outlines the frequency of meetings and actions for both the customer and our staff. These continuous progress discussions assist customers in tracking their achievements and in developing the skills necessary for a successful transition to independent living.
Q: Can you share some success stories or positive outcomes from this new service?
A: We’re thrilled to report that our customers have experienced a smooth transition, and we’ve received positive feedback. As a result, the service rapidly reached full capacity. Customers who transitioned from previous providers to Evolve voiced satisfaction with their new accommodation. Consequently, we are now concentrating on introducing new initiatives and activities for our customers.
Q: What challenges did you face when implementing this service, and how did you address them?
A: Our main challenge was helping staff adapt to the changes associated with a new service and organisation. Open communication and training aided everyone in acclimatising to the new environment.
Q: What are your long-term plans for Stockwell’s services and programmes?
A: We’re actively working on exciting plans! These plans involve forming partnerships with external agencies to offer skill-building and fitness programmes. We’re also introducing play and learn classes for mothers and babies, ESOL programs, and on-site interpreting services for unaccompanied asylum seekers. Additionally, we have ambitions to expand our facilities to accommodate refugee and asylum-seeking women.
In the end, Stockwell is steadily progressing towards becoming a centre of excellence. Our goal is to equip our customers with the skills and support they need to thrive in their new chapters of life. At Stockwell, we prioritise transformation, empowerment, and community-building. We’re enthusiastic about the journey ahead and are eager to make a lasting impact on the lives of those we support.
Q: Can you explain the role of staff in delivering these services? What kind of training and support do they receive?
A: The right staff play an intrinsic role in developing and achieving positive outcomes and success for all customers at Stockwell. Their dedication and willingness to go above and beyond are essential, demonstrating to our customers that we genuinely value them. This support lies at the core of our operations. Having staff who possess a clear understanding of the challenges their customers face, either through professional experience or lived experience, proves crucial. It directly impacts how we deliver our services to customers. Furthermore, it’s equally important that our staff have this understanding because it enhances the service. Staff who truly empathise with our customers also contribute significantly to their well-being. This, in turn, strengthens the positive outcomes we aim to achieve. It’s important to acknowledge that the right staff are instrumental in Stockwell’s success.
Evolve provides ongoing training and development opportunities for our staff. These programmes facilitate their growth within their roles. Specialised training is also available for those who wish to enhance their skills further. Additionally, our staff have access to training provided by the Local Authority. This training aligns with the housing pathway for providers and ensures our team is well-prepared to meet the unique needs of our customers. This training not only aids staff growth but also aligns with our mission to deliver excellent service. It forms an integral part of our commitment to our customers’ well-being.
The journey of transformation and growth at our Stockwell site is a testament to the dedication and commitment of both the staff and leadership. With a focus on tailored support, community engagement, and continuous improvement; Stockwell is not just a place of residence; it’s a place where individuals and families can thrive. We’ve seen success stories and positive outcomes so far, but this is just the beginning of the positive impact we aim to create. The dedication of our staff and leadership is instrumental in our journey of growth. Equally important, our commitment to continuous improvement ensures that we keep striving for excellence. Stockwell’s emphasis on community engagement sets us apart. It’s a key factor in our success, and we’re excited about what’s next. We believe that our approach will continue to make a difference in the lives of those we support.
To find out more about our Stockwell service click here.
